Method and apparatus for facilitating navigation of an implant

Abstract

The present invention describes a targeting system suitable for guiding a biocompatible device to a target area within the body (in vivo) and method of using the same. The system includes a targeting member that is attached to the biocompatible device and may optionally include a steering material. The system includes a passer element located at the distal end of a wand. The wand includes a trigger like member adjacent a hand grip. Actuation of the trigger like member will result in a pivotal movement of the passer element that positions the targeting member such that the connected biocompatible device is positionable relative to the target area.

1. A surgical tool suitable for facilitating guiding a biocompatible device to a target area located in vivo, said tool comprising: a tether; and a wand assembly, said wand assembly including a hand grip portion, a central portion and a passer member portion, said hand grip portion constructed and arranged to be grasped by a human hand, said central portion providing spacing between said hand grip portion and said passer member portion, said passer member portion pivotably connected to said central portion for controlled movement about a pivot axis, said passer member portion constructed and arranged for releasable attachment to a first end of said tether, said tether including a second end securable to a biocompatible implant, said hand grip portion including an actuator member operable to cause rotation of said passer member portion about said pivot axis, whereby operation of said actuator member during forward movement of said central portion provides directional progression of said passer member portion and tether member through tissue to said in vivo target area, wherein said passer member portion includes a cavity therein, said cavity sized and configured to cooperate with an enlarged portion of said tether, wherein said enlarged portion of said tether is a targeting member secured to said first end of said tether, wherein said targeting member is secured within said cavity, said targeting member having a first end constructed and arranged to penetrate and create a pathway through tissue as said targeting member is advanced in vivo, wherein said targeting member is constructed of a steering material capable of being magnetically influenced. 
     
     
       2. The surgical tool of  claim 1  wherein said actuator member is a trigger member. 
     
     
       3. The surgical tool of  claim 1  wherein said central portion of said wand assembly includes a first elongated rod like member fixedly secured to said hand grip portion at a first end and pivotably secured to said passer member portion at a second end, a second elongated rod like member pivotably secured to said actuator member at a first end thereof and pivotably secured to said passer member portion at a second end thereof, whereby movement of said actuator member causes axial displacement of said second rod like member with respect to said first rod like member resulting in the pivotal movement of said passer member portion. 
     
     
       4. The surgical tool of  claim 3  including springs positioned to bias said hand grip portion away from said hand grip portion in the absence of external force to said actuator member. 
     
     
       5. The surgical tool of  claim 4  wherein said passer member portion axially aligns with said first rod like member in said absence of external force. 
     
     
       6. The surgical tool of  claim 1  wherein said passer member portion provides about ninety degrees of controlled rotation about said pivot axis. 
     
     
       7. The surgical tool of  claim 6  wherein said rotation of said passer member portion is proportional to movement of said actuator member. 
     
     
       8. The surgical tool of  claim 1  wherein said surgical tool is constructed and arranged for use in percutaneous surgical procedures, whereby said surgical tool is inserted directly into a small skin incision. 
     
     
       9. The surgical tool of  claim 1  wherein said tool is sized to fit through the central bore of a pedicle screw extender. 
     
     
       10. The surgical tool of  claim 1  wherein said passer member portion includes a magnet secured thereto. 
     
     
       11. The surgical tool of  claim 1  wherein said tether is a cable. 
     
     
       12. The surgical tool of  claim 1  wherein said tether is a cord. 
     
     
       13. The surgical tool of  claim 1  wherein said tether is cannulated. 
     
     
       14. The surgical tool of  claim 1  wherein said biocompatible implant is a spinal implant. 
     
     
       15. The surgical tool of  claim 1  wherein said biocompatible implant is a surgical tool. 
     
     
       16. The surgical tool of  claim 1  wherein said surgical tool is constructed and arranged for grasping a tether positioned in a surgical site and repositioning said tether within said surgical site.